The Raisina Hills are illuminated on the eve of New Delhi's 78th Independence Day celebrations. (Press Trust photo)
Delhi Police has deployed over 10,000 police personnel and 3,000 traffic police personnel to strengthen security arrangements in the city
Rashtrapati Bhavan is ablaze with lights ahead of India's 78th Independence Day. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will unfurl the national flag for the 11th consecutive time on Thursday as part of a core annual event where he will lay out the government's agenda, present report cards, announce key policies and plans and talk about burning energy.
Meanwhile, the Delhi Police has deployed more than 10,000 policemen and 3,000 traffic police personnel to strengthen security deployment in the city. In addition to a heavy police deployment, all borders in the capital will be sealed to commercial and heavy vehicles until midnight on Thursday, officials said.
Traffic restrictions at Delhi border
The Delhi Traffic Police issued the warning on Tuesday in view of the rehearsals ahead of the Independence Day celebrations on August 15. Only then will it pass.
According to police reports, careful law, order and traffic arrangements have been made for the celebrations on August 15.
Heavy transport vehicles (HTV) will not be allowed to enter the city from 10pm on Monday to 12pm on Tuesday and from 10pm on Wednesday to 12pm on Thursday, the advisory said.
Increased security in national capital
Security has been stepped up across India, with more than 10,000 police officers, facial recognition cameras and snipers deployed in Delhi. In Delhi, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hoist the national flag at the Red Fort for the 11th consecutive year and the country has deployed more than 10,000 police and 3,000 traffic police. According to officials, a mock exercise was conducted in the VVIP area on Wednesday.
Snipers, elite SWAT commandos, kite catchers and sharpshooters will be deployed at strategic locations to ensure the safety of the Prime Minister and other dignitaries, a senior official said.
In addition, 700 AI-based facial recognition CCTV cameras have been installed in central and New Delhi. Officials said the cameras have high-resolution pan-tilt zoom capabilities that can identify people from a distance.
I-Day celebrations at the iconic Red Fort
The Red Fort in Delhi becomes the focal point in the days leading up to the Independence Day celebrations. Former Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru delivered his famous “Tryst with Destiny” speech from the ramparts of this iconic fort. Since then, it has now become a tradition.
When and where to watch Prime Minister Modi’s August 15 speech
The Independence Day celebrations will be broadcast live on the Indian government's official social media site.
The celebrations will also be broadcast live on Prime Minister Modi's YouTube page and other social media platforms.
Additionally, many other news networks including Doordarshan will also broadcast the event live.
- All Doordarshan Channels and DD Websites
- All India Radio (AIR)
- All news channels
- Press Information Bureau (PIB), YouTube channel and X (formerly Twitter) handle.
- Prime Minister's Office website
- National Information Center website
